MELVIN Bragg has written to newly elected Berry Hill District Councillor Tim Gwilliam to say he will become a patron of a community project by FANS (Five Acres Not For Sale) which includes a Dennis Potter Theatre.

The project also sees a future community hub, supporting local employment and the creative arts.

"This endorsement is of an epic nature. Getting a Patron with the standing of Melvin Bragg gives FANS the recognition that our big ideas need, and which we have shared with Lord Bragg. He is fully supportive of what we are trying to achieve," said Mr Gwilliam.

This week also saw an historic meeting set up by FANS and West Dean Parish Council with the Homes and Communities Agency (who own the Five Acres site) and the Forest of Dean District Council to discuss the beginning of a planning process known as "Enquiry By Design".

The meeting concentrated on how the planning of the site is to be managed when Gloscol move to Cinderford, scheduled for this year. Consultants, paid for by the Homes and Communities Agency, will be instructed to work to a brief set out by a steering group which will include FANS, and will start in April.

FANS recognised this week's meeting as highly significant, moving the issue of Five Acres regeneration onto a stage beyond just words, and into reality.

"We can bring the community's concerns and wishes to the table and they will be heard," said Jamie Elsmore, chairman of FANS.

"The design process will take many months, and we may not get everything on our wish list, but the community has a say in the future of the area now, and the process will not go ahead without us, and not without us fighting for our community."

The 'Enquiry By Design' will dovetail with the Berry Hill and Christchurch Neighbourhood Development Plan being developed by West Dean Parish Council, which will enshrine in law what can be built in Berry Hill and where it can be built.

"This is the most democratic way of area planning we have ever seen," says Cllr Gwilliam.

"Evidence will be gathered from residents about how they want their area shaped in the future, and they will be listened to."

Cllr Eileen Dyer said: "Residents are very concerned over the talk of large-scale house building, so this is their chance to take control."

Last Thursday, Cllr Graham Morgan and Cinderford town mayor Max Coburn accepted an invitation to talk at the FANS committee meeting to discuss concerns over fears that the Forest Theatre could close.

Cllrs Morgan and Coburn confirmed that there are no plans to build a rival theatre in Cinderford, and they would oppose any plans to do so – Cllr Morgan said they support retaining the theatre at Five Acres 100 per cent.

The Forest of Dean District Council Scrutiny Committee report on Five Acres will be unveiled at Lakers School at 6pm on Monday February 18 and FANS is urging members of the public to attend.